In Oedipus the King, feet represent both command and control.
Throughout the play, various
characters fall to their knees. At the beginning, Oedipus stands while “[his]
people [kneel] at [his] feet,” (15), begging for an end to their plague. At
this point, Oedipus still possesses his kingly strength and his assuredness in
his identity. He has no reason to doubt the power he holds over his people and
his ability to bring an end to their pain. As the play continues however, Oedipus
begins to lose confidence, both in his identity and in his command over his
people. He finds he must kneel at Tiresias’ feet when it becomes clear that he
does not have the power to bring an end to Thebes’ troubles. He groups himself
with the rest of his people as they “beg [him], all of [them] on [their] knees.”
(372) By the end of the play, Oedipus cannot even group himself with his former
subjects and, as a result “all foothold [is] lost and gone” for him. (968)
Before
Oedipus’ father tried to send him to his death, he “fastens [Oedipus’] ankles”,
giving him a limp for the rest of his life. (791) The fact that Oedipus is
incapable of walking steadily represents his inability to control his fate. After
Oedipus realizes that his prophecy has come true, his ankles are a constant reminder
that his fate was nearly escaped when
he was left for dead. By all accounts he should have died, but his future was
concrete and could not be altered. Even when Oedipus does not realize it, his
handicap is a persistent symbol of his inability to escape his doom.
Kelly, I really enjoyed reading your argument with the textual evidence. The progression of Oedipus from control to loss of it is a really compelling argument. I like how you phrased that his fate was "nearly" escaped which brings up a good point that no matter the actions taken, Oedipus could not escape his fate.
ReplyDeleteInteresting, Kelly! I had not considered that feet in Oedipus the King may also indicate power and control. It is ironic that feet would represent the command and influence enjoyed by Oedipus (he literally brings Thebians to kneel at his feet), while also representing the chains that tie him to his fate... a fate that not even his own power and influence can rid him of.
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